Today FM has announced that Anton Savage will replace Ray D'Arcy in the 9-12am slot on the station.

Savage, who was a regular stand-in for D'Arcy when he was away, will take over the helm on the popular programme.

In a statement, the station said he will host The Anton Savage Show "in a fun, entertaining and energetic way."

It said: "Anton will spearhead a new- look show which will not only feature the best of Irish and international guests, live music but, most importantly, a new level of engagement with the station's listeners and their views."

Today FM bosses were left reeling last month when their star presenter Ray revealed he was heading to Montrose to take over Derek Mooney’s afternoon slot after 14 years at the rival station.

The blow came just six months after his wife Jenny quit as producer on his popular morning show also after 14 years, saying she wanted to spend more time with their kids Kate, 8, and Tom, 2.

While Ray will make his Radio 1 debut on February 2.

Will Ray take over Brendan's Saturday hot seat? (Image: Collins)

Savage, whose first job was a researcher at the station, said: “Today FM has an extremely loyal listenership, so it’s a great honour to be given the task of picking up the huge audience Ian hands over at nine.

"I’ve hosted in that time-slot before, so I think I’ve a sense of what the listeners want. It’s the start of something new and the team and I have big plans for this show.

"We want to hold onto as many of the current audience as possible and over time, welcome some new listeners into the Today FM family."

Anton has presented The Ray D’Arcy Show, The Last Word and The Tubridy Show, as well as hosting The Sunday Business Show and ‘The Apprentice, you’re fired!’ on TV3.

Since 2011, he’s hosted Savage Sunday from 11-1pm on Sundays.

Anton’s first job was as a researcher with Today FM when the station originally launched.

He said: “I was sitting in the control room, way back when the station first went on air. I’ve had a great affection for this station ever since.

"It’s rare to find somewhere as creative and professional on air, that’s also so supportive, welcoming and fun off-air. "We’ve great people working across our admin, sales and marketing and our shows, and on the new 9-12 slot we’re going to do our very best to make them proud.”